Buying a sports bra for running doesn't have to be a torturous experience. While finding the perfect sports bra will depend on individual characteristics like bra size, fit characteristics and personal preferences, these top sports bras will help you narrow down your options.
C9 by Champion
C9 by Champion Sports Bra
Target's C9 by Champion sports bras are some of the best I've ever worn, although they may not offer enough support for women with larger cup sizes (C cup or above). The C9 sports bra is seamless, which helps prevent chafing, and the bras can be thrown in the washing machine and dryer without serious shrinkage. The C9 by Champion sports bra is also cheap -- you can buy it at Target.com for $16.99, but they are often on sale for $10 at Target stores. They come in wide array of colors and the nylon/spandex material does a good job of wicking moisture. The C9 by Champion is certainly not the fanciest sports bra on the market, but it performs well and won't break the bank.
Pure Lime Sports Bra
Pure Lime High Impact Sports Bra
If you are on the curvier side, the PureLime High Impact Sports Bra provides lots of support. It may not be the prettiest sports bra on the block, but it has good support without underwire and uses separate cups to prevent bouncing. The sports bra boasts moisture-wicking fabric, which helps keep moisture away from your body. Adjustable straps and a hook-and-eye closure are also pluses for runners who need maximum support. The downside? It's expensive -- around $65 at most online sites -- but my curvier friends love this sports bra.
Nike Revolutionary Bra
Nike Revolutionary Sports Bra
The Nike Revolutionary Sports Bra is also on the expensive side, but it offers lots of adjustability for women who have trouble finding the perfect fit. The sports bra has an adjustable chest strap in addition to adjustable back straps, so it's really easy to get the fit dialed in perfectly. It also uses Nike's Dri-Fit fabric, which does a great job of wicking moisture. The downside? Nike recommends hand washing - ugh! I think all sports bras should be able to withstand the rigors of a washer and dryer. However, if hand washing doesn't bother you -- and if you have trouble finding a good-fitting sports bra -- the Nike Revolutionary Sports Bra is a good choice. It's currently on sale at the Nike store for $39.99.
Pearl Izumi Elite Tri Bra
Pearl Izumi Elite Tri Bra
The Pearl Izumi Elite Tri Bra is a pretty sports bra -- words I never thought would go together in the same sentence. It's not fancy, but it has nice contrast stitching and bright colors for those who like to run shirtless. It's designed for A to B cups, and uses compression for support instead of separate cups. Mesh panels help keep things cool on hot days, and it breathes very well. The Pearl Izumi Elite Tri Bra is also pretty affordable, ringing up around $34.95 at most retailers.
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Comments
I'm a C-cup and I've never felt comfortable with running until I bought an awesome sports bra from Marks & Spencer. Now all I want to do is run!
It looks like target is discontinuing the great seamless C9 by champion sports bra - they don't seem to have that style in the stores any more (only ones that seem less supportive and more like cotton, for some reason), and online they now seem only to have black and white, and black only in L,XL,XXL. It is sad. Hopefully they will come back.
kt, Have you looked at the racerback style? It's the same seamless fabric and it's available in a bunch of colors and sizes at Target.com.
I HATE the 'bounce factor'! And I haven't found a Champion sports bra I don't like. I love the C9 slim strap bra from Target, just be sure to buy a size smaller than what you normally wear.
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